Thousands of spectators attended the 31st annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Sunday.

Close to 500 Bronx residents marched in the parade, which kicked off at the Grand Concourse and East 192nd Street.

Participants say the parade is an important annual tradition for them to celebrate their culture and heritage.

The grand marshal was former Rep. Charles Rangel because organizers say City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito could not attend.

The celebration continues next Sunday, June 11, when the 2017 National Puerto Rican Day Parade is held in Manhattan.